Bison (Bison bison) are the largest terrestrial mammal in North America. While bison and buffalo are used interchangeably, in North America the scientific name is bison. Their large, low-hanging heads allow them to gather low-growing vegetation, even in the snow, and their thick fur insulates them from extreme environmental conditions. Their sharp horns aid in self-defense. These unique physical characteristics that cause bison to be easily recognized also play an important role in their historical success.
The American bison was named the national mammal of the United States on May 9, 2016.
Bison flourished throughout the majority of Montana prior to the settlement of the American West and were a keystone species of the Great Plains ecosystem. In the summer of 1806, Meriwether Lewis recorded passing immense herds of buffalo in the Marias River area. Charles M. Russell — America's "Cowboy Artist" — cast his first bronze sculpture depicting the Plains Indian buffalo hunt. He commonly depicted the iconic animal in his classic artwork.
Following decades of substantial loss, bison were saved from complete extinction by a diverse group of individuals but are now restricted to particular geographic areas or kept behind fences. Montana is one of the last places where bison live, most notably in Yellowstone National Park and at the Bison Refuge near Moiese.
Montana offers hunting opportunities for bison in certain parts of the state.
The Interagency Bison Management Plan is a cooperative, multi-agency effort that guides the management of bison and brucellosis in and around Yellowstone National Park . The plan was developed by the National Park Service, USDA-Forest Service, USDA-Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Montana Department of Livestock and Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks. After more than 10 years of negotiations, the plan was adopted in 2000.
Specifically, the IBMP seeks to:
Maintain a wild, free-ranging bison population
Reduce the risk of brucellosis transmission from bison to cattle
Manage bison that leave Yellowstone National Park and enter the State of Montana
Maintain Montana's brucellosis-free status for domestic livestock
For the latest information on the IBMP, visit here.
Decision Notice - Year-Round Habitat for Yellowstone Bison Environmental Assessment, Nov. 2015 (PDF)
Addendum to the Year-round Bison Habitat Draft Joint EA (PDF)
Year-round Bison Habitat for Yellowstone Bison Draft Joint EA – July 2013
An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and the Montana Department of Livestock (DoL) for a proposed adaptive management change to the Interagency Bison Management Plan. Under the proposal bison that migrate out of Yellowstone National Park could access and utilize year-round habitat on public lands north and west of the Park. Portions of the Gallatin National Forest under consideration for year-round tolerance for bison on the western boundary of the Park are: 1) the Hebgen Basin; 2) the Cabin Creek Recreation and Wildlife Management Unit; 3) the Monument Mountain Unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area; 4) the Upper Gallatin River corridor, and the Gardiner Basin on the northern boundary for only bull bison. Five alternatives with different geographic configurations, as well as a No Action alternative, are under consideration. The Departments invited comment on the proposal until September 13, 2013 at 5 p.m.
Year Round Bison Habitat (PDF)
The animals are part of the Bison Quarantine Feasibility Study (QFS), the research project that began in 2004 directed by FWP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to produce bison free of brucellosis.
Decision Notice - Disposition of Quarantine Feasibility Study (QFS) Bison EA (PDF)
Disposition of QFS Bison Draft EA (PDF)
Deadline to comment on EA ended October 30, 2014
Bison Quarantine Feasibility Study, Phase II/III, 2005 (PDF)
The American bison was named the national mammal of the United States on May 9, 2016. Bison are the largest mammal in North America. Male bison (called bulls) weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall, while females (called cows) weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a height of 4-5 feet.
